‘Our Operations Are Legally In Kenya’ – Bill Gates’ Foundation Reports
In response to recent media coverage and discussions about its operations in Kenya, the Gates Foundation (formerly the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) issued a statement affirming its commitment to partnering with the Kenyan government.
Kenya has granted The Gates Foundation (formerly The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) a special status that provides its foreign officials with privileges and immunity in the country.
— Moe (@moneyacademyKE) October 24, 2024
This comes after reports that the government recently granted The Gates Foundation special diplomatic privileges and immunity, allowing it to expand its efforts to combat poverty, disease, and inequality across the country.
Buhle Makamanzi, the Gates Foundation’s Deputy Director of Global Communications in Africa, stated in a statement that the foundation follows Kenya’s Privileges and Immunities Act when operating.
The Privileges and Immunities Act empowers Parliament to amend and consolidate laws governing diplomatic and consular relations, implement specific international conventions, and regulate the immunities, privileges, and capacities of international organizations and other bodies in which Kenya participates, among other things.
“In light of recent coverage and online conversation regarding the Gates Foundation’s agreement to operate in Kenya, we would like to share our official statement,” Makamanzi said in the statement.
“Our agreement to operate in Kenya was made in alignment with the Kenyan government’s Privileges and Immunities Act. We operate according to the typical agreements Kenya makes with other foundations and nonprofits.”
According to a legal notice issued by Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi on Wednesday, the Gates Foundation will now be able to enter into contracts, defend legal proceedings, and manage properties in accordance with Kenyan laws.
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Furthermore, the foundation’s employees will be granted various benefits similar to those of diplomatic officials, such as tax breaks and immunity from legal action related to their official duties.
Bill and Melinda Gates founded the Gates Foundation in 2000, which has helped advance healthcare and development projects in over 140 countries.
According to the Prime Minister, the Kenyan government’s support for the foundation’s regional operations is part of a larger strategy to attract international partnerships that will strengthen healthcare services and encourage investment.
‘Our Operations Are Legally In Kenya’ – Bill Gates’ Foundation Reports
